"Striking a balance between short-term results and building a long-term project is one of the hardest challenges for any club. After Martin O'Neill steadied the ship at Celtic, the Scottish champions brought in Wilfried Nancy - the 2024 MLS Coach of the Year, who is known for an exciting, front-foot approach. The Frenchman lost his first four games, but Sunday's dramatic 3-1 victory over Aberdeen provided some much-needed respite."
"In his early days at Celtic, Nancy has implemented the system he used at Columbus Crew - a high-possession 3-4-2-1. In possession, Celtic have built up with a 3-2 shape made up of their three central defenders and two central midfielders positioned close to each other. Both wing-backs stay high and wide, and both attacking midfielders are positioned centrally, near the striker. As a result, the attacking midfielders and central midfielders form a box in the middle of the pitch."
"At Columbus Crew, Nancy deliberately opted to use positionally versatile players. Crew's central defenders Steven Moreira, Sean Zawadzki and Malte Amundsen are comfortable at either full-back or in midfield, and their technical quality ensured the team was able to play with fluidity. Nancy's early team selections at Celtic have been questioned, but it will naturally take time for him to get to know his players."
Wilfried Nancy has implemented a high-possession 3-4-2-1 system at Celtic, replicating his Columbus Crew approach. In possession Celtic build with a 3-2 shape comprised of three central defenders and two close central midfielders. Both wing-backs stay high and wide while two attacking midfielders support the striker, creating a compact box in the middle. The system demands positionally versatile players who can shift into midfield from defensive roles. At Columbus Crew, defenders such as Steven Moreira regularly moved into midfield unmarked, enabling fluid build-up. Nancy lost his first four games but a 3-1 win over Aberdeen provided respite. Early team selections have attracted scrutiny and will take time to settle.
Read at www.bbc.com
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